DWP piloting online access to Access to Work
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is looking for new deaf and deafblind applicants to help it pilot its online application system for Access to Work DWP believes deaf and deafblind people will particularly benefit from the new online service. They will appreciate UK Council on Deafness members advising new deaf applicants to email ATW.DIGITALFIRSTCONTACT@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK saying they want to […]
Read MoreJim Fitzpatrick MP new chair of APPG on Deafness
Jim Fitzpatrick MP was today elected char of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness at an extraordinary general meeting. The vote became necessary after the previous chair, Lilian Greenwood MP, was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. One of Jim’s first aims as chair is to secure a Westminster Hall debate on NHS […]
Read MoreNRCPD seeks statutory regulation
The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) has announced its intention to seek statutory regulation of communication and language professionals. NRCPD is asking for the support of UK Council on Deafness members to make sure deaf and deafblind people know about its plans. In particular, NRCPD will appreciate it […]
Read MoreChange of Chairs at NRCPD
As of 1 December, Sandra Verkuyten OBE will be chair of the NRCPD Board. She takes over from Huw Vaughan Thomas, the Auditor General for Wales. Sandra said: “After four years on the Board, I am excited to be taking on the role of chair at a critical point in the evolution of NRCPD. […]
Read MoreOfcom publishes final report on live subtitling
Ofcom has published its fourth and final report on the quality of live subtitling. Although there appear to have been improvements in accuracy, latency and speed, some issues still need to be addressed. The report suggests trade-offs need to be struck when producing live subtitles, such as between speed and accuracy. Ofcom therefore intends to […]
Read MoreSummary and outcomes of telecoms conference
On 4 November 2015 the UK Council on Deafness hosted the conference ‘Fair exchange: developments in telecommunication for people who are deaf or have a hearing loss’. The aim of the conference was to celebrate the advances that had been made in advanced telephony services, including video relay services (VRS); and learn more about what […]
Read MoreHearing Loop Awareness Week
National Trust pledges its support The National Trust is backing ‘Hearing Loop Awareness Week’ a UK-wide campaign by charity Hearing Link which is taking place this week (2-8 November). ‘Hearing Loop Awareness Week’ aims to raise greater awareness and understanding of hearing loops – a vital piece of technology for two million hearing aid users […]
Read MoreUKCoD Conference & AGM 4th November
Fair exchange: developments in telecommunication for people who are deaf or have a hearing loss UK Council on Deafness are holding a conference that will celebrate the advances that have been made in advanced telephony services and help us learn more about what needs to be done next. The morning session will be opened by […]
Read MoreGrowing support for statement of common purpose
The number of signatories to the statement of common purpose on deafness and hearing loss has increased to 75. The list now includes a local authority, Manchester City Council, and organisations from all parts of the UK. The steering group that will oversee work to achieve the mission of the statement met for the first time […]
Read MoreSector celebrates passing of BSL (Scotland) Bill
British Sign Language (BSL) has been recognised as a language in law for the first time with the passing of the BSL (Scotland) Bill. The Bill requires the Scottish Ministers to “promote, and facilitate the promotion of, the use and understanding of the language known as British Sign Language”. The Bill, introduced by Mark Griffin […]
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